The Bible CourseSample

Parables, miracles and the cost – the call of Jesus

Reflect:

Jesus was a master teacher and storyteller. He knew how powerful stories can be, and he made a habit of telling them. Stories can get past people’s defences and open them up to new perspectives. Parables were his way of communicating to the open-minded and simultaneously concealing truth from the closed-minded.

Will we let the stories of Jesus open us up or close us off to his central message about the kingdom of God today?

What do the parables of Luke 18.1–14 teach us about the nature of God’s Kingdom?

From Jesus’ time to today, we often find that the things we value are in opposition to the values of God’s Kingdom. God’s value system turns everything on its head. The Kingdom of God is where insiders are outsiders, and outsiders are insiders. Do you feel like an outsider today? Through his stories, Jesus teaches that we should never give up on prayer because God is close to the hurting and the lowly, and he is concerned with justice.

Jesus’ stories also reveal what true religion is. It’s not about our outward appearance, but our hearts. Unless we humble ourselves, acknowledging our total reliance on the mercy of God like the tax collector in verse 13, although we might look ‘good’ on the outside, we will remain unjustified before God.

Humility is the entry point for the beautiful new world of the Kingdom of God. This is so different from the values our world preaches.

What do we learn about the call of Jesus in the experience of the rich young ruler?

Ultimately, the rich young ruler was asking Jesus, ‘What do I need to do to find real life?’ Jesus’ response was, ‘Sell all your possessions.’ Why did he say this? Because Jesus knew the young man loved his possessions more than he loved God. His response to Jesus showed he was in danger of trading eternal life for the immediate satisfaction of wealth. If we’re honest, we’re all in danger of making a similar trade.

The disciples were baffled by Jesus’ observation about how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God. ‘Who then can be saved?’ they asked.

Jesus’ response was: ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

Jesus makes the impossible possible. Jesus came to call back people who had traded away life with God for lesser things, be they rebels or young rulers. Jesus came to call back you and me.

The invitation from Jesus is clear – he says, ‘Come to me. Let me make the impossible possible for you.’ Have you responded to the call?

Respond

‘For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ What difference could this teaching make to your day today?